THE SUCCESSFULJOB INTERVIEW

Helpful tips to help prepare for the interview, from apparel to responding to difficult questions…

Careerguidance@adveti.ac.ae

▸ Dealing With Interview Anxiety▸ Purpose Of The Job Interview▸ Several Types Of Interviews▸ How To Prepare▸ Questions To Ask Before The

Interview▸ Interview Do’s & Don’ts▸ Things To Remember During The

Interview▸ Possible Interview Questions▸ Questions To Ask▸ The Issue Of Salary▸ What To Do After The Interview▸ How To Dress For Success

Interviewing for a job is often filled with anxiety and fear but it doesn’t have to be that way.

There are things we can do to prepare ourselves and become more self-confident and relaxed.

Being prepared is the best way to reduce anxiety and help ensure a successful job interview.

Dealing with Interview Anxiety

▸ Your opportunity to shine▸ Your abilities, talents, interests,

personality, work experience, education, and motivation

▸ Informs you about the employer▸ Employer needs, history, work

environment, business activities, and future plans

▸ Requires skill and PREPARATION – NOT LUCK

Purpose of the Interview

▸ The Directed Interview▸ Impersonal, seeks to reveal facts▸ Interviewer takes notes using an

outline and checklist▸ Compares you to others

▸ The Undirected / Meandering Interview▸ Unstructured, an open discussion of

your qualifications▸ “Tell me about yourself…”

▸ The Stress Interview▸ “Hazing” in a sense; creates discomfort▸ How do you deal with stress?▸ Remain calm and tactful

Types of Interviews

▸ The Behavioral Interview ▸ Interested in past behaviors, “Describe a time

that required problem-solving skills, adaptability,leadership, conflict resolution,…”and “How did you deal with this?”

▸ Be prepared to have stories to demonstrate

▸ The Audition▸ A simulation or brief exercise to evaluate your skills▸ Inquire specifically about the instructions▸ Take ownership of your work

Types of Interviews – Continued

▸ The Group Interview ▸ Several applicants at one time▸ Provides a sense of your

leadership potential and style▸ How do you interact with peers?▸ Keep an eye on the interviewer

▸ The Panel/Board Interview ▸ Several interviewers are present▸ Positions are usually with government agencies or large

organizations▸ Maintain eye contact when answering questions:

questioner, each group member, back to questioner

Types of Interviews – Continued

▸ The Second/Follow-Up Interview▸ Serious candidates; confirmation▸ Difficulty deciding on a candidate▸ Other decision makers want to

gain a sense of you▸ Be prepared to negotiate compensation▸ More in-depth questions

▸ The Telephone Interview▸ Have copy of resume nearby▸ Speak a bit slower than usual and don’t worry about pauses▸ Make sure roommates or family are quiet

Types of Interviews – Continued

This applicant showed up to the interview sick. She shook hands before the employer knew it

and indicated that she would probablycatch the flu within a week!

Applicant Blooper #1

▸ Gather work samples, copies of resume, references and place in a nice case or folder

▸ Remember to bring a pen▸ Rehearse your answers▸ Write down your questions about

the job or organization▸ Review your work history▸ Practice your answers to common

interview questions▸ Be prepared for surprises

Preparing for the Interview

PreparationPreparationThe more thorough your preparation, the most likely your chance of being hired.

PreparationPreparationThe more thorough your preparation, the most likely your chance of being hired.

PracticePracticePractice answering a list of anticipated questions. Turn the answers to illustrate your skills.

PracticePracticePractice answering a list of anticipated questions. Turn the answers to illustrate your skills.

PresentationPresentationLook to create a lasting impression that will get you noticed and remembered

Don’t forgetthe 3 P’sthe 3 P’s

Interview Interview SuccessSuccess

When this applicant came into the room, he

started bouncing up and down on the carpet and told me I must be highly paid because this carpet

is expensive!

Applicant Blooper #2

Ask Some Questions

How many people will be interviewing me?What are the job titles of the interviewers?

How long will the interview be?

Research The Company

Before the Interview

RESEARCHRESEARCH the company: This includes the company’s products and services, details of how the company was formed or developed, the markets, turnover, plans for the future, number of branches, people employed, the company’s values etc. Take steps to obtain as much information as possible. From their website or people you know.

RESEARCH

SHOWCASESHOWCASE your Skills or Prime Selling Points: Look at a copy of your CV, consider your skills that are linked to their requirements. Go through the evidences that will showcase the skills. Remember that the skills won you the interview, now is your opportunity to use them as part of the main agenda in your interview.

SHOWCASE

TThe job application: Read the job details carefully again. See if there are any new points that were not covered in your original application. Go through each point and tick off the requirements that you meet, and note potential areas of weakness, do not be discouraged about these areas. Think of how to improve the areas of weakness just in case they ask.

REVIEW

Questions and practice answers: prepare a list of anticipated questions and suitable answers. Look at ways of turning the answers to further illustrate your skills. Share your questions and answers with your mentor, friend or family and know how to answer all the question. Practice in front of a mirror.

PREPARE

Before the interview

This applicant sat on the floor to complete his application paperwork!

Applicant Blooper #4

Don’t chew gum

Don’t wear your sunglasses

Don’t bring family or friendsto the interview

Don’t ramble on

Don’t ever lie

Don’t answer mobile phone

Don’t say anything negative about former colleagues or employers

Don’t inquire about salary, wait till you receive an offer

Don’t answer questions with a simple “yes” or “no.” Explain

Don’t discuss personal issues or family problems.

Interview Don’ts

Do Prepare and practice for the interview

Do dress the part and plan to arrive 15 minutes early

Do greet the receptionist or assistant with respect.

Do bring extra CVs and your skills Portfolio

Do greet the interviewer(s) by title (Ms., Mr., Dr.) and last name

Do shake hands firmly.

Do wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. And remember body

language and posture

Do make good eye contact with your interviewer(s)

Do avoid using poor language, and pause words (“like,” “uh,” “um”)

Do make sure that your good points come across to the interviewer in a

factual, sincere manner, with evidences to support your skills

An applicant was asked, “If you were an animal, what kind of animal would you be?” She said that she would be a cat because they are lazy

and lie around all day!

Applicant Blooper #3

▸ Sit on the front third of the seat▸ Men: legs uncrossed, but closed▸ Women: feet crossed at the ankle not

the knee. ▸ Hands folded in front▸ Sit up straight with head, neck, and

chest aligned with hips▸ Be careful of bad habits

▸ Tapping your fingers▸ Biting your nails▸ Playing with your hair (shaila)▸ Clicking your pen, etc.

Posture During the Interview

▸ Nervousness is normal ▸ Take a deep breath and try

to R E L A X▸ Don’t let nervousness

interfere with your answers or conversation

Remind yourself that this isjust part of the processto see if you are a good fitfor the position

Remember…

▸

▸ What are your career goals, both short-term and long-term?

▸ Why do you want this job?▸ What are you doing to achieve

your goals?▸ How would you describe yourself?▸ Why did you choose this career?▸ Why should I hire you?▸ What are your strengths

and weaknesses?

Possible Interview Questions

SituationSituation: give an example of a situation you were involved in that resulted in a positive outcomeTaskTask: describe the tasks involved in that situationActionAction: talk about the various actions involved in the situation’s taskResultsResults: what results directly followed because of your actions

Demonstrate Your SkillsUse the STARSTAR method

What are your strengths?

‘What are your strengths?’ This is another popular, almost an inevitable question. Using the information you have prepared regarding your skills, the answer should be obvious. Give your answers without any hesitation, list your skills list your skills in order of importance for the in order of importance for the job you are after job you are after one after the other and provide each with evidence using the STAR method.

Answers to most asked questions: Part 1Part 1‘Tell me something about yourself’

The invitation question often comes within seconds of your arrival in the interview room. This is a wonderful opportunity a wonderful opportunity to set the scene and fully to set the scene and fully outline your capabilities and outline your capabilities and attributesattributes. So, write a two-minute sales pitch that embodies each of your skills. Keep your message to the point and do not include unnecessary information. Practice aloud until it rolls off your tongue!

Your own questions for the hiring manager(s):

Interviewers will always ask if you have questions for them. Create the right impression by preparing at least one question for them. Waste no further opportunities to promote your keenness at securing the job. Get a question Get a question from your research into the from your research into the company and its activities, and company and its activities, and strongly connect it to your skills. strongly connect it to your skills. Your question can concern future training, technical matters, new products or anything to demonstrate your ability and illustrate your skills.

Answers to most asked questions:Part 2Part 2Possible ‘weaknesses’ or areas of improvements:

After exploring your strengths to see why you are the right person for the job, the interviewer will probe your weakness or areas of improvements to see if you are not a suitable candidate. The strategy here is to quickly quickly satisfy the recruiter’s doubts, satisfy the recruiter’s doubts, but also to immediately direct but also to immediately direct the interviewer to a relevant the interviewer to a relevant Prime Selling Point that should Prime Selling Point that should diffuse the perceived diffuse the perceived weaknessweakness.

What kind of salary do you need?

Do not answer it. Instead, say something like,

“That’s a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this

position?”

In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide range.

Answers to most asked questions:

What do co-workers say about you?Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. Either a specificstatement or a paraphrase will work.

‘Jill Clark, a co-worker at SmithCompany, always said I was the hardest workers she had ever

known.’ Why do you want to work for this organization?This should be based on theresearch you have done on the organization. Sincerity is extremely important here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your long-term career goals.

Part 3Part 3

Leaving statement after the interview:

Visualize gathering your belongings, rising with a smile, a firm handshake with a friendly but business like parting statement:

‘Thank you for your time. I have enjoyed the interview and feel it has increased my interest in the job and confirmed my ability to be of value to your company.’

Remember that you are still creating a lasting impression that will get you noticed and

remembered.

Answers to most asked questions:Part 4Part 4Explain how you would be an asset to this organization

This question gives you a chance to highlight your best points as they relate to the position beingdiscussed. Give a little advance thought to this relationship.What motivates you to do your

best on the job?

This is a personal trait that only you can say, but good examples are:Challenge, Achievement, Recognition

These applicants interrupted the interview to call mom for advice on how to answer a

difficult question!

Applicant Blooper #5

▸ Test your ability to operate under pressure▸ Demonstrate your problem-solving skills▸ Opportunity for you to think quickly, question

and communicate▸ Usually no right or wrong answers

The Purpose of “what if” Questions

▸ Research the average salary▸ Know what you want▸ Be Realistic▸ Don’t undersell yourself

▸ Raise the subject of pay & benefits when the topic is addressed in a second interview or after the job is offered

KNOW WHAT YOU’RE GETTING !

Concerning Salary

▸ What would my responsibilities and duties be?

▸ How would my performance be evaluated?

▸ Who do I report to?▸ What opportunities for

advancement exist?▸ Is there a training program?▸ How much travel is required?▸ Who would I be working with?▸ Where will I be working?

Questions You May Want to Ask

An applicant said, “I’ve already accepted another position but I thought I would

come to this interview just in case the pay was better!”

Applicant Blooper #6

ASK when you can expect a decision and if you should call

Express thanks for their time

FOLLOW UP the interview with a thank-you note

ANALYZE your performance in the interview (for later interviews)

DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED!Learn from the process and be patient

When the Interview is Finished

This guy flipped open his cell phone and took a picture of me. He said that he takes pictures of

everyone who interviews him!

Applicant Blooper #8

Be Prepared!

The Key to a SuccessfulJob Interview?

To schedule an appointment with the CareerCounselor, call, e-mail or stop by the

career Center.

Good Luck